About the Program

HISTORY:  A local certification program was begun in the 1980's in Fairfax County under the leadership of Mike Johnson, Fairfax County archaeologist. He recognized the importance of training his cadre of volunteers in the scientific techniques of archaeology. These trained avocationals could then serve as mentors for newcomers in the field and lab. The volunteer program grew under the leadership of the volunteer coordinator and by the early 1990's a standardized program was in place offering hands-on training in the laboratory and field in both excavation and survey and culminating in the graduation of the first 12 Certified Archaeological Technicians in 1993. The Fairfax program was adopted throughout the the Commonwealth of Virginia through a partnership of the three major organizational players: the Archeological Society of Virginia (ASV), the Council of Virginia Archaeologists (COVA), and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR).

PURPOSE:  The Certification and Training Program for Archaeological Technicians has been developed to give individuals an opportunity to obtain recognition for formal and extended training in the techniques and goals of anthropologically-based archaeology without having to participate in an academic degree program. Participants are provided technical training in the field and laboratory in conjunction with rotational lecture/ workshop series and required reading materials.

CERTIFICATION REVIEW PANEL:  This seven-member panel (State Certification Committee) consists of the Program Coordinator(s) and a minimum of two (2) members from each of the sponsoring agencies:
The Review Panel has the following responsibilities:
  • Program oversight, including recommended changes or additions to the program;
  • Development and administration of regional lectures and workshops;
  • Review of student records and approval of certification;
  • Review of applications for "grandfather" status (only experience under the supervision of a professional archaeologist during the past five (5) years will be considered under the "grandfather" clause. Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
PROGRAM COORDINATORS:  Program Coordinator(s) is a voluntary position held by any approved member of the sponsoring organizations. The responsibilities of the Coordinator include:
  • Organizing regional lectures and workshops, distributing schedules and field and lab opportunities, collecting fees, answering inquiries;
  • Working directly with local chapter Certification organizers;
  • Maintaining student files;
  • Acting as the program contact person(s),
MENTORS:  Each student who registers for the program will be assigned two mentors: a Professional Mentor and a Certification Mentor. The professional mentor is a professional archaeologist who meets the requirements for Active Membership in the Council of Virginia Archaeologists or an allied professional organization. The responsibility of the Professional Mentor will be to provide advice on professional methods and techniques as well as provide professional contacts and opportunities. This person will serve as your professional guide.

Your Certification Mentor will serve as a day-to-day guide from the perspective of a non-professional who has completed the program and is currently involved in Virginia archaeology as a Certified Technician. You will receive from this mentor advice on how to navigate the program and meet the program requirements in an efficient and effective manner.
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